STRATUM BASALE

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Your Skin's Structure

Skin has 3 layers - the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue.

1. Epidermis: The epidermis is located on the Outer Layer of Skin and can be visibly observed on the surface. The epidermis is the thinnest of the layers but also is ironically the primary barrier of protection for the entire body.

The epidermis is the thinnest on the eyelids at 0.05 mm and the thickest on the palms and soles at 1.5 mm. The thickness of the epidermis varies for various types of skin. The epidermis as well contains the pigment melanin that gives skin its color.

There are 5 delicate layers of cells that make up the general epidermis. From bottom (most internal) to top (most external) the layers are named:

Stratum Basale, The Stratum basale (also referred to as Stratum germinativum) is the deepest layer of the epidermis and it is here that new cells are generated for the renewal of the epidermal layers of the skin. A process of cell division referred to as mitotic division is responsible for the production of the new epidermal skin cells. After the mitotic division (cell division most massive to the formation of a new cell) a newly formed cell undergoes a progressive maturation called keratinisation as it migrates to the surface of the skin.

Stratum Spinosum,

Stratum Granulosum,

Stratum Licidum,

Stratum Corneum.

Approximately almost every twenty-seven days new skin is regenerated by skin cell turnover. The lowest layer, known as stratum corneum, is where new skin cells originate. As cells are produced they crowd together and are pushed upward into the next higher layer of skin. As the cells move into the higher layers, they flatten and eventually die. As old, dead skin cells reach the outer surface, they slough off replaced by the upward moving cells under them.

2. Dermis: The Middle Layer underneath supporting the epidermis is known as the dermis. The dermis is a complex matrix of hair follicles, blood vessels, and sebaceous (oil) glands.

The dermis contains elastic fibers known as elastin and protein fibers dubbed collagen, and fibroblasts "glue like" cells that synthesize collagen and elastin together to form skin's elasticity, support, and suppleness.

Elastin, like the word elastic is the protein that creates collagen in the dermis, bringing about skin properties and maintaining skin structure. Elastin diminishes in our skin over time causing skin to loosen and sag.

The dermis layer is also responsible for wrinkles. Collagen, the fountain of youth is the most abundant protein making up 75% of skin. Overtime, environmental components and aging deplete the body's ability to produce collagen.

3. Subcutaneous Tissue: Subcutaneous tissues are the layer of fat and connective tissue containing larger blood vessels and nerves. This layer works to regulate the temperature of the skin itself and the body. The thickness of this layer varies over the person, and from person to person.

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